Barely time to draw breath after Cheltenham as today the Midlands National at Uttoxeter is upon us. Also National Hunt cards from Kempton, Newcastle, Ffos Las, Down Royal and Wexford and for the flat racing fans we have an 8-race evening card from Wolverhampton[/B Mr. Henderson is certainly not resting on his laurels and sends a strong looking team to Kempton and Barry Geraghty looks to have chances of a four-timer, although the opening novices hurdle looks competitive with a capital "c". Venetia Williams runs Duaiseoir who made a very favourable impression on hurdling debut at Plumpton and Nicky Henderson saddles Cape Express, who was a dual winner on the flat, rated 97, for Michael Jarvis (but hasn't seen the track for 946 days - he couldn't, could he?). We also have a couple of flat trainers trying their hand at the winter game - Alan Jarvis sends out Right Step (finished 4th in the Wolferton last year off 100) and Paul Cole sends out a Montjeu gelding in Strategic Mount who had a top flat rating of 105. Add into the mix an Alan King newcomer who placed 3 times in France and you have a cracking little contest. Lets be having your thoughts and selections.
Morning Odddy. I liked Clash Duff but is a NR. Few interesting Alan King horses out at Kempton. NO PUNTING though , just going to enjoy the racing and have a quid footy accum
Morning mate, I hope it is finally Posh Bird's turn to get her head in front today. Good card at Kempton, no idea why CH4 are screening Ffos Las. Can't stop watching replays of Bellvano, brilliant stuff Henderson sends some nice ones to Kempton too - what do you make of the first race there?
How do I get rid of a headache that was caused by the cheering when they announced Kauto Star was ok? Nothing for today and nothing until the flat season now, need to regroup and remember some fundamentals about the game. Even though I back a winner and a 66/1 placed horse
Was just looking at Duc De Regniere at Kempton - he is 4 from 5 at the track (including a Feb 07 victory when ridden by Mick Fitzgerald ) and might have a squeak in this off a mark of 143.
Very good day out, and it was a great atmosphere. I am certainly a convert to the festival experience and will be booking at least one day at the festival next season too. I am a wee bit philosophical this morning as I made a big mistake in thinking that last years Gold Cup was all that it seemed at the time and that I backed a horse with Sam Waley-Cohen on when he hasn't had a good season at all. The thing I really realised yesterday is that you really do need a proper horseman to win a big race around Cheltenham at the festival, you just have to look at the rides by AP and Carberry to see how its done. This is the ideal time to take a break from betting, I will wait until the two year old flat racing season starts and then crack on with it once more. On another note, Boston Bob ran an incredible race when you consider how poor he looked in his coat. If they prime him for the RSA next season he will be one to fear.
TBH I was more disappointed with the horse than SWC Nass. He came off the final bend in the perfect position but just plodded up the hill at the one pace. If you think about how he flew past Denman and Kauto Star up the hill in last year's race you have to say he's not within a stone of that performance this season. Whether he hasn't trained on (as asserted by Paul Nicholls) or something else has happened, I just don't know, but the horse seems to have completely lost his turn of foot.
I was disappointed with the pair, but from my viewing position SWC looked very nervous before the race and it seemed to feed through to LR (he hit the first and for me he lost the race at his fences) and he wasn't strong when he was asking him to pick up either. I thought LR was going to go away from them up the hill but it wasn't to be. I have the feeling that last years Gold Cup was just flattering to him by beating two horses who weren't probably at their best. I tell you what, the lad on Chapoturgeon almost pulled off a brilliant ride, the horse for me isn't a stayer but he managed to hold onto him for long enough to get him to challenge up the hill. Salsify was very game in front and pulled out more.
Salsify cost me about a grand - I had an e/w Lucky 31 with 2 winners (Brindisi Breeze and Bellvano) - the third winner would have been a really tasty return
Nass the lad was awesome on Chapoturgeon. The Giant Bolster finishing in front of long run is a joke and i havent even started on the winner yet.Awful festival. The CH was another joke the front pair embarrassed the rest of the jockeys and scream mask on binocular thought it was a two horse race and followed ruby everywhere
Morning all It's a bit anti-climax time now - could barely be bothered if I'm honest. Oddy: I backed Bellvano but as it wasn't televised I haven't seen it, and Francome on the Morning Line aluded to something about him. What happened - and where can I see it??!! I'm going with Mr Moss in the Midlands Grand National - and trying to shake the lethergy to get excited about it! PS: Ron - my 20-1 was Bellvano in the last yesterday, proofed in Sportsvilles comp - does that get me membership to the 20 club?
good to see some of the hardcore here. today's the day for desperate chasers and those who have some unexpected money in their bet365 account. can't believe channel 4 are at ffos las. annoying for those of us who don't subscribe but I'm going for shuil royale at kempton anyway. should progress plenty now he can jump. will be mostly watching rugby today and hoping us taffies can atone for failing to beat the french in the world cup semi, we weren't robbed, we robbed ourselves. and yes I've backed France at 5-2, cracking price! good luck all
Also not sure if C4 mentioned it but both Time For Rupert and Chapoturgeon were treated for overheating (makes them sound like F1 cars) after their races, both were fine after a good amount of water. Need to write up my views on the meeting as a whole at some point as I think I will need to read it before next seasons festival Bring on the Brocklesby!
Morning all, what a festival. For me the whole event was based around Quevega as have been backing her every week since Christmas!! So glad she did it but too many great performances to talk about. The Tues and Wed there for me was the best i have experienced. Anyone think Quevega should take her chance in the World Hurdle next year??? Going to Twickers today to cap off a great week. I think Italy are a good bet against Scotland...... others watching brief but Wales really should beat France quite comfortably.
Let's be having your Midlands National tricast people, in order. 1. Mr Moss 2. Maringo Bay 3. Posh Bird
Hey George. Yesterday Oddy posted me a link to the race. So I had a look and came up with 14, 15 and 16, but don't know what order, but will have a crack. Posh Bird. Master Overseer. Honourable Arthur.
